What Wetsuit Do You Need in Essaouira? Water Temperature Month by Month
"Do I need to bring a wetsuit?" — short answer: no, we provide quality wetsuits with every lesson and camp. But if you're curious what the Atlantic feels like here month by month, this is the honest local guide.
Water temperature through the year
January–March: 16–17°C — 4/3mm territory, fresh but fine once you're moving. April–June: 17–19°C — the 3/2mm sweet spot. July–September: 19–21°C — 3/2mm or even a spring suit on warm afternoons. October–December: 18–19°C — back to a comfy 3/2mm. The Canary Current keeps our ocean remarkably stable: never tropical, never brutal.
What we hand you on the beach
Our quiver of wetsuits comes courtesy of our partnership with Deeply — proper surf wetsuits in every size from kids to XXL, replaced regularly. You'll get a 4/3 in winter and a 3/2 the rest of the year. Booties are unnecessary at Sidi Kaouki: the bottom is soft sand, one of the reasons it's such a forgiving beach for beginners.
If you're bringing your own
A 3/2mm covers you from April to December. Only winter purists want a 4/3. Leave the 5mm at home — this is Morocco, not Ireland. And rash guards alone only work for a rare hot-water August session.
Beyond the suit
The full what-to-bring rundown lives in our Morocco surf trip packing list. And remember: for any surf lesson in Essaouira or Sidi Kaouki with us, wetsuit, board and transport are all included in the price — come with a swimsuit and a towel, we handle the rest.
Sidi Kaouki vs Essaouira Beach: Your Surfing Questions Answered
Sidi Kaouki is generally better for surfing, with longer, cleaner, and more consistent waves thanks to direct Atlantic swells. Essaouira Beach is more sheltered, offering smaller waves that are ideal for beginners but often affected by wind.
Both spots are suitable for beginners, depending on conditions. Essaouira Beach is perfect for your first lesson with smaller, softer waves. Sidi Kaouki is also beginner-friendly, with a sandy bottom and multiple surf peaks that allow instructors to find the best waves for your level.
The best time for surfing is from September to April, when Atlantic swells are more consistent. During summer, Essaouira becomes very windy, which is great for kitesurfing but less ideal for surfing. Sidi Kaouki often still offers good surf conditions even when Essaouira is windy.
Most surfers choose to stay in Essaouira and surf in Sidi Kaouki. Essaouira offers more accommodation, restaurants, and cultural experiences, while Sidi Kaouki provides better and more consistent surf conditions. Many surf schools offer day trips between the two.
